Zoo welcomes newest member

Visitors to the Gulf Breeze Zoo will see an addition to the ever-growing family with the arrival of a baby giraffe.

ANGEL McCURDY / Daily News

GULF BREEZE — Visitors to the Gulf Breeze Zoo will see an addition to the ever-growing family with the arrival of a baby giraffe.

The male calf, who is currently unnamed, was born just after noon Nov. 10 and is living alongside its mother, 11-year-old reticulated giraffe Gabby.

View photos of the giraffe >>

“The Zoo has been hoping for a calf since the introduction of Geronimo, a 5-year-old male reticulated, in 2010,” the zoo’s press release states.

“Sometimes you just have to wait for nature to take its course,” said Desiree Hager, assistant curator of mammals. “Gabby had lived alone for a while. It took her some time to warm up to Geronimo.”

Giraffe gestation takes about 15 months. Calves are dependent on their mothers for just over one year.

The Zoo is inviting the public to help name the calf. Names can be submitted on the Gulf Breeze Zoo’s Facebook page or website, GBZoo.com, through Dec. 30. The winning name will be announced Jan. 1, and winners will receive a behind-the-scenes tour to meet the entire giraffe family.

The calf is available for viewing daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. depending on the weather.

Zoo admission is $14.95 for adults and $10.95 for children. Military, senior and group rates are available. Call (850) 932-2229, or visit www.GBZoo.com for information.